ATTENTION! You are using Internet Explorer 8 or older, which we will not be supporting after April 14, 2015.
We strongly encourage you to upgrade your browser to a newer version by following these simple steps.

Don't sleep on the check engine light

With the many issues that can go wrong with a vehicle, many consumers may look to ensure they are protected through a strong car insurance policy. This can be important, especially if they find themselves getting into an accident that was not their fault while trying to reach their destination. However, there are issues that need to be tended to, even if an accident doesn't occur. One of these is based around the check engine light. This little light has a tendency to mean a lot or a little, but it can really help to ensure the driver doesn't ignore it.

What the check engine light means
If a driver is on the road, and the check engine light comes on, there are a number of different issues that could be occurring. It is lit through the vehicle's computer, which sets it off when a diagnostic malfunction happens.

Potential major engine problem - Whether the engine is one the brink of failure, or a major piece is malfunctioning, the light is there to inform the motorist that something may be seriously wrong.

Light malfunction - Not all issues are bad when the light comes on. It is even possible that the circuit itself may be malfunctioning, without any other problems. Getting this fixed could help identify a major issue down the road.

When it goes off, know what to do
The check engine light can be a real hassle, but not taking care of it may set a person up for a major fix down the line.

Set up an appointment with a trusted mechanic - When the motorist sees that the light switched on and has not turned off, they should look to get it checked out as soon as possible. Try to visit a mechanic that week to get a look at it. It may be an inconvenience, but it could save them from a big bill later.

Look for abnormalities while driving - The driver may see that there is already an issue with the vehicle, and the light may be that extra push to get it fixed.

Having the know-how to solve these situations can be quite helpful. Even if the light doesn't end up meaning anything serious, getting it checked out can save a person a significant amount of money that they could instead put toward other important aspects of the vehicle, such as the auto insurance policy or fuel budget.